catalytic converter
 

I drive an '02 Protege ES and want to change the manifold cat converter ,as I have already done the O2 sensor .Is there anyone that could tell me if this is a tough job or could I do it myself ....do I need special tools.....and what should I be careful of ? I have a little bit of experience with minor car repairs but would like to try this repair myself....

I'll start with the comment that I don't own a protege, but have had a few old cars.
Why do you want to replace it? are you getting rattling or noise from it, reduced performance? Basically a cat is a bolt on replacement, though those bolts never move and are always rusted pretty well in place - much like your O2 sensor probably was.
There should be no special tools or anything, but unless it's plugged and you pass any emissions test in your state I wouldn't worry about it at all. You could unbolt the front and make sure it looks clean, if so you're just wasting $ putting on a new one.

response
 

I am replacing it because the code came up on the scan,and they figured it was my o2 sensor. I since changed the front o2 sensor , but my check engine light came on again.My ex wife has a p5 protege with similar mileage and she replaced both front and back O2 sensors only to have her mechanic now tell her it is the cat converter....(the Manifold one)...the scan of mine had a code regarding poor performance from my converter...When I replaced my O2 sensor it was not rusted in at all ....it came out quite easily .....

Gotcha, well as long as it's a suspected problem that's probably worth the effort.

To your original question about tools / difficulty - just look at the bolts, though they will probably need some loose rust cracked off to get down to solid metal for a socket to grab onto.
The night before doing the work i'd suggest hitting the bolts with WD40 or liquid wrench to make things easier.

Good luck

thanks for your help.....will let you know how things work out....